finally blogging again!

Okay, so really, I don't have a good excuse for not blogging for so long. Just procrastination, and not putting it at the top of my priorities. But, I know I need to, because I'd love for this site, to be kinda like a journal of our lives, for all the boys to read one day. For that reason mainly, I've gotta be more dedicated to it. Life flies by with three little ones, and I don't want to forget any of the little things. It's so easy to. Let me see....what's the latest??

Jacob is still thriving in Kindergarten, doing wonderfully. Yes, we have our squigly faces every now and then, and even several in a week at times, but overall he's doing great! You ask, what are squigly faces? Well, it's the rating system they use in his Kindergarten class, to rank the kids behavior daily. A smiley face is great, squigly face is not so good, and a sad face is not good at all. Each child has 2 sticks in their pocket every morning, and if they do something they shouldn't, they have to pull a stick-- 1 stick- squigly....2 sticks- sad face. Thankfully, no sad faces all year, just several squiglys. Most are for pretty minor reasons, but a few for 'what were you thinking, Jacob?!' reasons. I guess boys will be boys, even if they are normally sweet little things. So, we don't fret too much over them, but usually discipline by taking away a favorite toy for a day, or if it's a really bad week, no t.v. plus a favorite toy taken away. Seems to work alright. On a lighter note, Jacob is such a sweet big brother to Nathan. He loves talking to him, and last night he told me, 'Mommy, Nathan is the cutest little baby. I wanna keep him forever.' I told him, 'well, we will keep him forever!' He said, 'no, I know....I mean I want him to stay this small forever!' Can't help but agree with him there!

Ethan hit a milestone a few weeks ago. He's now potty-trained!!!! Hallelujah!!!! What a nice surprise, and relief!!! He's made it SO easy, pretty much training himself. After all the issues we went through with Jacob in this area, having one train so easily and so much younger, is so nice! He has very few accidents, and is even staying dry most nights. I thought we would be in 'big boy' underwear at night too. But after changing sheets 2 times in one week, I decided we'd do a pull-up at night, until we have a few weeks of consistent dry nights! Of course, since I started back on pull-ups, he's stayed dry! I'm so proud of him!!! But......oh, my bathrooms!!!!! Lets just say two boys, 5 and under, both pottying.......yuck!!! I'll take it, though, next to diapers!!! My bathrooms can stay clean in, oh lets say, 18 years! :) Ethan, too, is thriving in his little preschool, two-day-a-week program. He loves it, and does so well. It amazes me how fast they learn so much at this age! He's obsessed with colors right now, and knows most of them. And, of course, he's at that question age, where he asks A MILLION questions every day! So curious about everything! I just have to laugh, grin, and bear it, because I'm so proud of how much he's talking. I know not to take that for granted! Now, granted, I have to interpret a lot of his words for others, but other than that, he talks really well for his age! Right now, as a matter of fact, he's sitting next to me saying, 'but why, Mommy.....why????!!!' about who knows what!!! And, just like Jacob did, you can't answer him with an 'uh-huh' or 'okay'......you have to give him a clear answer or, repeat back what he tells you, to make sure you really heard him. Clever little thing!

Nathan is growing like a weed! He will be 5 months old on Thursday......I can't believe it! He's such a rolly-pollie, getting so fat! It's no wonder since he still eats ALL THE TIME!!!! But, even though it takes a lot of dedication on my part, I still thank God, since I so wanted nursing to work this time. He's an expert at it, for sure! Not so fond of baby food and cereal yet, but he's eating a tad here and there. I'm in no rush with his age, just offering it every now and then. He's a very happy baby, as long as he's not in a car seat! Still HATES that! He'll ride all of 10 minutes usually, before he decides he's 'done' with it! We're broken in, though, since Jake and Ethan were the same way. He's smiling all the time, and starting to blow strawberries. So cute! Several say he's looking like me, but I'm not for sure yet. He definitely favors Jacob more than Ethan, though, so I guess he may look more like a 'Helton' the older he gets. I love this age, really, and besides the STILL NOT SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT part, I'm in no rush for him to get any older! Cherishing the baby days, as I know how fast they go by!!! :(

Ronnie and I are doing great. Ronnie is still in search of a job. We are learning patience, and our faith is growing, to say the least. It's hard, but we know God has a plan, and we have to trust Him and wait for His timing, as opposed to ours. Several possibilities have presented themselves, but nothing is 'for sure' yet. Still waiting to hear. Please continue keeping us in your prayers! I am the worrier, between the two of us. And, really, I have complete peace most of the time. I just know in my heart, God will continue to provide, as He always has. And, I'm just so proud of Ronnie and how hard he's working to find a job. I know God will reward, when the timing is right.

We all enjoyed our first camping trip of the year, a few weeks ago. It was Nathan's very first trip, and the first for the rest of us, in a very long time. We went to south Georgia, Heltonville as Dad likes to call it. I was hesitant, not knowing how cool it would be, but the weather turned out to be perfect. Cold enough for campfires at night, but warming up quickly during the day for 4-wheeling! It was great, and a much-needed get-a-way for all of us. Mom and Dad were already down there, and it was nice to be with them....not to mention how much help they were with the boys, so Ronnie and I could 'play' a little. The last time we camped, I was pregnant, so I could only putt-putt on the 4-wheelers. It was fun to 'really ride' this time, and to ride with the boys! Neither Jacob or Ethan is timid when they ride with us, both wanting to go faster faster! They love it there, and we hope to spend a lot more time down there this year. After all, Jacob asked Nanny if we could just live there! It's a little boy's dreamland, to say the least! I know Granny Lois and Grand-daddy are smiling down at us, watching us enjoy it so much!

This past Sunday, Mom and I threw Heidi a diaper shower at my house. We had a great turn out, and she really stocked up. And, not only on diapers. Many of the guests gave her clothes. It was so much fun, looking at all of the sweet little dresses she unwrapped. Guess everyone is so excited to be able to finally buy girly things again. After all, it's been 15 years since our family has had this opportunity. I laugh, because even my sister-n-law, Tanya(Ronnie's sister), had to get in on all the fun, buying the baby several outfits as well! She adores our boys, but I know longs for a little niece to priss up. Sorry, Tanya, you're out of luck! But, you can let Heidi's baby girl be your adopted niece! :) So, we anticipate the arrival of baby girl Foster! I'm guessing she'll be a February baby for sure! We pray God brings her here safely, keeping she and her Mommy safe, in a few weeks! Can't wait!

That's all for now! HAPPY VALENTINE'S THIS WEEK!!!

HE is the reason for the season!

It is so easy to let the true meaning of Christmas be lost in all the commercial parts. True, we all enjoy the tree, shopping for our loved ones, Santa, lights, etc. But, I am aware more this year, than any other since becoming a mom, that it's SO important to make sure our boys know, what Christmas is really all about. At five-years-old and two-years-old, getting new toys is most important in their minds at Christmas. They are such deprived children with such few toys, the poor little things.......I guess that's why they look forward to it! :) lol! But, I remember as a child getting so excited every year, awaiting Santa's arrival too, so I can't blame them. I just never want them to overlook the main reason we celebrate Christmas. JESUS!!!! Jacob knows as soon as you ask him, why we celebrate it--- 'It's Jesus and Owen's birthday', he'll say. I think it's so sweet that he always remembers Owen shares Jesus' birthday. Now, during our nightly prayers, I always include thankfulness for Jesus birth, so that they are aware.

Speaking of prayers, our little Ethan is already sparked an interest. Almost every night at bedtime, he'll ask for a turn praying. I have no idea what he says, but he whispers so quietly, you can't even hear him, for 30 seconds to a minute, then ends with a loud 'amen!' I love it, and always make sure Jacob stays quiet for Ethan to have his prayers. I'm so proud of them both, and their love for Jesus and interest in prayer at such a young age. Thank God for christian parents who molded Ronnie and I into parents who teach our children how to love and follow Jesus!

Christmas is quickly sneaking up on us-- can't believe it's less than two weeks away now. Still not quite finished shopping, but only a few more gifts to take care of. We're reminded this year, more than any other, how truly blessed we are to have so much. We're patiently awaiting, with increased faith daily, a new job for Ronnie. We are so thankful for his FedEx job, and the benefits it provides us with. God is good, and is still providing for us, and for that we are so thankful. We know He has a plan for us, and we just thank Him in advance for it, and try to stay patient. Please keep praying for our family as Ronnie seeks a new job. It means so much to us.

Our little man, Nathan, turned 3 months old yesterday. SO hard to believe. He's such a happy baby, and is growing up SO fast. He is a stubborn little guy, though, deciding this week that he WILL NOT take a bottle right now, on the few occasions we need him to, for me to be away from him. He was suppose to be with Mom and Dad last night with the other 6 grands, to spend-the-night, but that couldn't happen, without me staying with him. Guess we're getting a sneak peak of his little personality. I'd say he has some of his Daddy's determination! :) Nathan is almost laughing now-- soooooo cute! I'm soaking up every second of this time-- it goes by so fast.

Ethan is Mr. Chatty, talking SO much all the time. He's our persistent one, to say the least. And, those eyes......oh those eyes.....he's gonna have all the girls lined up with those gorgeous eyes. He can give you some looks, cutting his eyes at you with a puckered out bottom lip, if he's mad. Or, cut em' over at you with a little grin, showing how adorable he is, when he wants to be Mr. Cutie-Pie. He looks more like Ronnie every day! He's still loving preschool, and was so funny at his Christmas program Thursday night. He stood completely still not singing one word of the two songs his class sang, on the front row. It was hilarious!

Jacob is doing great in Kindergarten, very impatiently awaiting Christmas morning. It can't get here fast enough. He wrapped up his football season with an end of the season party with the team last week. Each boy received a HUGE trophy, about 3 feet tall, including a 5x7 action shot of themselves, and a mini-football helmet on top. I've never seen a trophy like this one. He's SO proud of it. Now.....where to put it???? I'll have to post a picture of it. His latest fascination is with drawing. I keep scribble paper and crayons on my kitchen table 24/7 now, since it's pointless to put it up daily, only to be dragged back out. His penmanship has improved so much, so fast over the school year. We're so proud of him. My favorite drawing by him, was made a few weeks ago, of me, with the word 'Mom' written below it. He wrote 'Mom' for the first time without asking how to spell it. He's learning so many words, and even reading a little already! It amazes me how quick he learns!

I guess that's about all for now. A long overdue post-- I've been bad about posting. I'll try to be better.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!! Happy Birthday, Jesus!!!

Nathan- 8 weeks already!!!

I can't believe my itty-bitty Nathan will be 8 weeks old tomorrow. Time is really flying by. And, the first weeks are always a blur with the sleep deprivation. I don't want to forget any of this.

Sleep is becoming more and more, and I'm so relieved. Just like with my first two, Mom got Nathan to sleep the longest, the first time she and Dad had him overnight. This occurrence was last Saturday. Mom had been asking for him, and we had been invited to one of my best friend's birthday party, so I 'cut the cord' and left him for the first time, overnight. I didn't expect it, but I got teary-eyed driving away from Mom and Dad's, leaving him. I trust them 100% of course, but there's just something about leaving him like that. I think it's even harder with Nathan, than it was with the other two, because he's nursing beautifully, and we're together so much. I prayed so hard for success with nursing, and God has blessed me with this. Yes, it has been exhausting, especially in the first few weeks, but I wouldn't trade it for anything, and I cherish every moment I have this bonding time with him. It is such a special thing, really. I had no idea. Thank you, God, for this gift with my last little one!

Back to his first night away. I think he ate his last bottle about 9, and he only took an ounce. Then, he slept until 3am!!!!!!!!!!! He took another bottle, then slept until 7:30am!!! And, while he was snoozing at Mom and Dad's, I was getting what felt like, the best sleep of my life, in my bed!! Wow- what a difference a full night's rest can make you feel, after 7 weeks of just power naps in the night. I was so energized Sunday morning!!! Ronnie and I had breakfast, then headed out to pick up all 3 boys and get to church. It was a great morning at church, with Nathan's first time in the nursery. He did beautifully, sleeping the whole time in this little old lady's arms. She met me in the hallway, before I even dropped him off asking if I was leaving him this time. I told her I was and she said 'he's mine!' She rushed into the baby room, and let all the other workers know 'she had called him'. It was so cute, and I felt at ease leaving him in her arms.

Nathan has outgrown the colic-crying quickly. I really don't know if he truly ever had it, but just was upset with all the reflux spitting. He definitely does have reflux, and we're trying out some medicine to see if it will help. The good news is he's steady gaining weight, so that's a good thing. We just don't want the reflux to make his throat sore, that's why we're trying meds. to see if they can be of some help. The laundry this little guy produces is amazing! One large load a day, easy!

He has started smiling and cooing the past few weeks. I've yet to get a great smile on camera. As soon as I do, I'll post it. I need to get the video camera out to get some smiley moments. The first few are so precious. Jacob is hilarious imitating the noises I make to get Nathan smile. What's so funny is, it works! Nathan loves looking at Jacob and smiling. Of course, it makes Jacob so proud, when he causes baby grins.

I guess every parent looks at their child, thinking he's the most beautiful one they've ever seen. But, you truly feel that way. I can't imagine a more beautiful little boy, with his clear, olive skin, dark hair, and blue eyes. He really is gorgeous!!! I am in love, for the fourth time!!!!!!!!!!!! (yes, Ronnie is one of those times:)

Dad and Ice Cream

This is hilarious! I just had to document it. Mom and Dad are in Jekyll Island for the week, camping. Mom called this morning to check in, and when we were finished talking, she said Dad wanted to talk to Ronnie. I'm sure Ronnie figured Dad just had something to tell him, or maybe needed a favor-- something done at the house or whatnot. Nope-- Dad asked Ronnie if he could go by Kroger to pick up some Blue Bell ice cream, since it was on sale for $2.88 a gallon!!! He didn't want one gallon......or two.......but SIX!!!! I just thought it was hilarious, that Dad didn't want to miss a sale on his favorite thing. Well, I guess ice cream does fall behind Mom, his kids, and grand kids, but not far behind! Dad LOVES ice cream, and eats it daily. We got it Dad! :) Thanks to an extra fridge in our basement, we fit 8 gallons of ice cream in it tonight. Yes, we had to get a few gallons for ourselves! :)

Sweet Jacob

We're thinking Nathan will be a colic baby. He has lots of gas pain-- tummy hurts a lot. So, we called our Ped. and asked for prescription gas drops. So, anyway, since Ronnie was at work, I had to take all 3 boys with me to go pick up the drops Wednesday night. Jacob wanted to know why Nathan needed medicine, so I explained it to him. Nathan was crying, more than ready to get out of his car seat by the time we got home. When we were getting out of the car, Jacob was in the back of the Yukon down in the floor. I asked what he was doing, and he said, "I'm praying for Nathan, for his tummy to feel better."

Melted my heart!!!!!

Nathan's 1st week

Well, as most of you know, our sweet Nathan arrived Friday night at 12:04a.m. He weighed 8 lbs. 12 oz., and was 20" long. He surprised us with his weight, since our ultrasound measurements had us expecting 10 lbs! Our pre-delivery guesses were-- Ronnie- 10lbs. 2oz./ Alice- 9 lbs. 14 oz. We were convinced he was huge. Big baby still, yes, but not huge to us, since our first two were 8 and 9 lbs.

He is GORGEOUS, if I do say so myself! He has the most beautiful skin, clear as can be, and a ton of soft, dark hair. Still trying to figure out who he looks like. Most people say his daddy, for sure. I'm just trying to figure out who he favors more, between Jacob and Ethan. Both of them were born looking a lot like Daddy. But now, Jacob is taking on the Helton traits more, the older he's gotten, while Ethan is a Messer looking baby for sure! Hospital picture comparison, Nathan looks more like Jacob. I think he looks like Nathan, and will look different all together. Time will tell.

He's such a sweet baby, already smiling during his short awake times during the day. I'm just in awe at how 'perfect' he came out. Our high risk doctor, even though he was very positive, was convinced he'd have jaundice at birth. And, he was no where close-- having perfectly pink skin right away. He is perfectly healthy from head to toe, and we are so thankful to God!!!

He had his first visit to the doctor this morning, and got another great report. He's already back up to birth weight, after losing 6 oz. in the hospital. No surprise as much as he eats! Mommy's having a hard time keeping up, but I'm managing. I'm so glad that part is going so well

Jacob and Ethan are adjusting well so far. Jacob LOVES to hold him, and wants to at every opportunity. While Ethan just says 'hi, baby' every now and then, with a pat or rub on his head. Having three will be a challenge, I'm sure, but I'm open to it. Thank goodness for Ronnie, Mom and Dad for all of their help right now!!!! While healing, I need a lot of extra help, and they have all given more than enough.

Ronnie and I are so proud of our family, and this new addition just makes it feel complete. Thank you, God, for yet another little blessing. We'll do our best to make you proud as his parents!

to my sweet Nathan

I can't believe I'll be meeting you face to face for the first time, in a matter of weeks, maybe even days. I can't get you out of my mind. You're all I think about, fantasize about, and dream about. I am so excited to......

See your sweet face...
Your little nose......
Look into your eyes.....
See your little mouth and smell your sweet breath.....
Rub your soft cheek and kiss it for the first time.....
Hold your hands and kiss your fists.....
Rub your belly.....
Squeeze your little thighs.......
Rub your little feet and count your toes....

I am just overwhelmed with love and anticipation to see you. I've got your room all ready for you. Your clothes are all washed, your bassinet ready to go. All we need now is you.

I have to admit, I'll miss a little, feeling you move inside me. After all, you are my last little one, and it's just such an incredible blessing to experience this.

I love you, more than you could ever know.
Now and Forever,
Mommy